Chapter 11: Enhancing Language Development in the Primary Years

Chapter Overview

This chapter builds on the content of Chapter 10 and describes the ways in which the language development of primary children can be enhanced by classroom curriculum and teachers' interactions with their students.  The chapter begins with an overview of factors influencing the language environment in the primary grades and teachers' interactions patterns.  The key role of children's listening competencies is also emphasized.  This is followed by a description of curricular activities involving exploratory activities, teacher-directed activities, and routine activities. In addition, ways in which family connections can be enhanced are discussed.  

Learning Outcomes

After reading this chapter, students should be able to

·         Discuss the factors influencing the language environment in the primary grades

·         Identify effective interaction patterns for primary classrooms

·         Discuss the importance of curricular goals that incorporate each of the five aspects of language knowledge relating to oral and written language

·         Explain the importance of developing listening competencies in primary classrooms

·         Explain how word walls can be used to enhance phonological, semantic, and syntactic knowledge

·         Discuss the ways in which interactive writing can enhance primary students’ language knowledge and competencies

·         Discuss the ways in which collaborative-cooperative projects can enhance primary students’ language knowledge and competencies

Chapter 11 PowerPoint

Chapter Review

1.   Describe the ways in which a "share and tell" activity will enhance primary students' language development.

2.   Provide a rationale for including a word wall as a way to enhance primary students' semantic and phonological knowledge.

3.   List three ways a story re-enactment can be conducted.

4.   Describe the "writing suitcase" strategy.  State your rationale for using it in a primary classroom.

5.   Provide a rationale for implementing cooperative/collaborative group projects in a primary classroom as a way to enhance students' language development. 

6.   In what ways does a language experience story activity enhance language development?

Chapter Activity

1.  Watch the video: Close Interactive Read-Aloud of "Bats at the Ballgame"

2.  Select a storybook for a teacher read-aloud for a first-grade class. State your rationale for selecting the storybook. Identify five vocabulary words you will explore with students.